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CCTV Camera Installation NYC

Professional CCTV camera installation across New York City — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We install 4K IP surveillance systems, NVR recording, night vision cameras, and full remote monitoring for residential and commercial properties. Licensed, insured, and backed by over 360 five-star reviews across two Google Business locations. No monthly fees, no cloud subscriptions — you own the system and the footage.

Why CCTV in NYC

Why New York City Properties Need Professional CCTV Installation

New York City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, and property crime remains a daily reality for homeowners, landlords, building managers, and business owners across all five boroughs. Over 11,000 burglaries were reported in NYC in the first half of 2025 alone — and that only accounts for one category of property crime. Package theft is rampant across every borough. Car break-ins spike in parking lots and residential streets from Astoria to Bay Ridge. Retail shoplifting costs NYC businesses hundreds of millions annually. Unauthorized building entry affects apartment complexes from the Grand Concourse in the Bronx to the high-rises of Midtown.

A professionally installed CCTV surveillance system is the single most effective deterrent against property crime — and the most reliable source of evidence when an incident does occur. But not all camera installations are equal. A Ring doorbell or a WiFi camera from Amazon might capture a blurry clip, but professional-grade CCTV systems record continuously in 4K resolution on a local NVR, covering every entrance, hallway, parking area, and loading dock without relying on a WiFi signal or a monthly cloud subscription.

Abstract Camera NY is a licensed and insured low-voltage contractor (NYS License #12000287431) specializing in CCTV camera installation across New York City. We design, install, and support surveillance systems for single-family homes, multi-unit apartment buildings, retail stores, restaurants, warehouses, offices, houses of worship, daycare centers, construction sites, and commercial properties of every kind. Our technicians handle all wiring, mounting, NVR configuration, and remote access setup — with clean cable routing through walls and ceilings, never exposed wiring.

Many insurance providers offer premium discounts for properties equipped with professionally installed surveillance systems, as cameras reduce the likelihood of claims and provide clear evidence when incidents occur. For business owners, CCTV systems may qualify as a Section 179 tax deduction — allowing you to deduct the full cost of the system (hardware, installation, and equipment) in the year of purchase rather than depreciating it over several years. Consult your accountant for eligibility.

CCTV System Types

Types of CCTV Systems We Install in NYC

Every property has different surveillance needs. A bodega in Washington Heights has different requirements than a warehouse in Red Hook or a six-family brownstone in Bed-Stuy. We install the following CCTV system types across all five boroughs:

4K IP Camera Systems

The gold standard in modern CCTV. Internet Protocol (IP) cameras connect via Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable with Power over Ethernet (PoE), delivering 8-megapixel 4K resolution footage with digital zoom, smart AI person/vehicle detection, and audio recording. PoE cabling means one cable handles both video and power — cleaner installs, longer cable runs (up to 300 feet without repeaters), and better reliability than WiFi or analog systems.

HD Analog & HD-TVI Systems

Budget-friendly CCTV using coaxial cable (RG59/RG6) with resolutions from 2MP to 5MP. Ideal for upgrading older analog systems without replacing existing cable infrastructure. DVR-based recording with remote viewing capability. A popular choice for small retail shops, laundromats, and residential properties that already have coax runs in the walls.

PTZ Cameras (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)

Motorized cameras that rotate 360 degrees and zoom up to 25x optical for covering large open areas — parking lots, warehouse floors, construction sites, school yards, and building perimeters. PTZ cameras can track moving objects automatically using AI detection and can be controlled live from your phone or a joystick.

Active Deterrent Cameras

CCTV cameras with built-in red and blue strobe lights, sirens, and two-way audio speakers. When the camera detects a person or vehicle in a restricted zone, it triggers a visible and audible warning — flashing lights, alarm sounds, and a pre-recorded voice warning. Highly effective for loading docks, back alleys, private driveways, and commercial properties that want to actively scare off intruders rather than just record them.

Dome & Turret Cameras

Vandal-resistant dome and turret-style CCTV cameras for indoor hallways, lobby ceilings, retail floors, office common areas, and elevator cabs. IK10-rated housings resist impact and tampering. Low-profile design blends into ceilings without drawing attention. Available in 2MP, 4MP, 5MP, and 8MP 4K resolutions with infrared or full-color night vision.

Bullet Cameras

Long-range outdoor CCTV cameras with infrared night vision reaching 100 to 200 feet. Designed for building exteriors, perimeter fencing, parking areas, and long corridors. Weather-rated IP67 housings withstand rain, snow, heat, and humidity year-round — critical for NYC rooftop and exterior installations that endure harsh seasonal conditions.

Doorbell & Entrance Cameras

Video doorbell cameras and entrance-mounted CCTV units that record every person who approaches your front door, lobby entrance, or gate. Integration with intercom and buzzer systems for visual verification before granting entry. Two-way audio, motion-triggered recording, and smartphone alerts.

Brands We Install

CCTV Brands We Install Across NYC

We are brand-agnostic and install commercial-grade CCTV equipment from every major manufacturer. Our primary recommendations include Dahua and Hikvision — the two largest professional surveillance manufacturers in the world — because they deliver the best combination of image quality, reliability, feature set, and value at every price point. We also install and service systems from Uniview, Amcrest, Reolink, Lorex, Pelco, Digital Watchdog, Speco Technologies, ICRealtime, Vivotek, GeoVision, Rhombus, and many others.

We also install cameras that customers have already purchased — including consumer brands like Ring, Nest/Google, Arlo, Wyze, and Blink. If you bought your own CCTV equipment and need professional installation, we provide labor-only service at competitive rates. Our technicians will mount, wire, configure, and set up remote access for any brand of camera or NVR/DVR system.

Complete Solutions

Bundle Your CCTV Installation With These Services

Most NYC properties need more than just cameras. Save time and money by bundling your CCTV installation with complementary low-voltage services we provide on the same visit:

  • Video Intercom Installation — See and speak with visitors before buzzing them in. Smartphone integration, video recording, and multi-tenant panels from Aiphone, ButterflyMX, 2N, Akuvox, DoorBird, Comelit, Dahua, and Hikvision.
  • Door Buzzer Installation & Repair — Traditional and smart buzzer systems for apartment buildings. We install new systems and repair existing ones across all five boroughs.
  • Access Control / Key Fob Systems — Card readers, key fobs, keypads, magnetic locks, and electric strikes for controlling building entry. Integrate with your CCTV for complete visual verification.
  • Structured Cabling — Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Ethernet cabling, PoE wiring, coaxial, and conduit runs. Proper structured cabling is the backbone of every reliable CCTV system.
  • Alarm Systems — Intrusion detection, motion sensors, glass break sensors, door/window contacts, and siren systems. Integrated with your CCTV for complete property security.
  • TV Mounting — Wall-mount your security monitor, lobby display, or CCTV viewing station. Clean cable concealment included.
We Cover All of NYC

CCTV Installation Near NYC Landmarks & Neighborhoods

We install CCTV systems in every corner of New York City — from commercial corridors and residential side streets to mixed-use buildings near major landmarks. Our crews work across all five boroughs daily.

Times Square & Midtown Manhattan — retail stores, restaurants, office buildings, hotels
Downtown Brooklyn & Atlantic Ave corridor — mixed-use buildings, apartment complexes, retail
Williamsburg & Bushwick — residential brownstones, loft conversions, warehouses, restaurants
Astoria & Long Island City, Queens — condos, co-ops, commercial strips, waterfront properties
Fordham Road & Grand Concourse, Bronx — retail corridors, apartment buildings, schools
Bay Ridge & Bensonhurst, Brooklyn — private homes, multi-family properties, small businesses
Staten Island commercial districts — strip malls, auto shops, warehouses, single-family homes
Harlem & Washington Heights — brownstones, churches, storefronts, multi-unit walk-ups
East New York & Canarsie, Brooklyn — residential properties, bodegas, auto repair shops
Flushing & Jamaica, Queens — commercial properties, apartment complexes, houses of worship
Lower East Side & Chinatown, Manhattan — restaurants, retail, mixed-use buildings
Flatbush & Crown Heights, Brooklyn — apartment buildings, daycares, small businesses
Real Questions

14 Questions NYC Property Owners Ask About CCTV Installation

How much does CCTV camera installation cost in NYC?
A basic 4-camera HD analog system with DVR and installation starts around $850. A professional 4-camera 4K IP system with NVR, night vision, AI detection, and a monitor starts around $1,057. Larger commercial systems with 8 to 64 cameras are custom-quoted based on site assessment. For context, the national average for professional CCTV installation labor runs $80 to $200 per camera, but NYC labor rates run 20 to 30 percent higher than the national average due to building complexity, union requirements in certain buildings, and the need for conduit in pre-war and historic structures. We provide free on-site estimates with no obligation — call (929) 730-5331.
Do I need WiFi for CCTV cameras to work?
No. Our professionally installed CCTV systems use hardwired PoE (Power over Ethernet) connections and record to a local NVR on-site. WiFi is only needed if you want remote viewing on your phone — and even if your internet goes down, the cameras continue recording locally. This is a major advantage over consumer WiFi cameras that stop working entirely when the signal drops.
Can I watch my CCTV cameras remotely from my phone?
Yes. We configure free remote viewing on your smartphone (iPhone and Android) during installation. You can watch live feeds, play back recorded footage, receive motion alerts, and even use two-way audio from anywhere in the world. There are no monthly fees or cloud subscriptions required — the app connects directly to your NVR over your internet connection.
Are there monthly fees for CCTV surveillance systems?
Not with our systems. You own the hardware, the NVR records locally on a hard drive, and remote access through the manufacturer’s free app has zero recurring costs. This is fundamentally different from Ring, Nest, and Arlo, which charge $3 to $20 per month per camera for cloud storage and advanced features. Our systems give you everything with no subscriptions.
How many CCTV cameras do I need for my NYC property?
It depends on the property. A typical NYC home or small apartment building needs 4 to 8 cameras covering the front entrance, rear exit, driveway or parking area, and common hallways. A commercial space like a retail store or restaurant typically needs 8 to 16 cameras for floor coverage, cash register areas, storage rooms, and exterior entrances. We do a free site survey to determine exact placement.
Can CCTV cameras record at night?
Yes. Every camera we install has either infrared (IR) night vision for black-and-white footage in complete darkness, or full-color night vision using a built-in warm LED supplement for color footage at night. IR cameras see up to 100 to 200 feet in pitch darkness. Full-color night vision cameras are popular for front entrances and parking areas where identifying clothing colors and vehicle details matters.
Is it legal to install CCTV cameras in NYC?
Yes. In New York City, you are legally allowed to install CCTV cameras on your own property — inside and outside — for security purposes. Recent amendments to New York’s Real Property Law now require landlords to permit tenants to install cameras inside their units, provided the cameras do not obstruct common areas or record into neighbors’ apartments. Audio recording has separate consent rules: New York is a one-party consent state, meaning at least one person in a conversation must consent to the recording. Employers must also post notices if audio-capable cameras are used in the workplace under Section 203-C of New York Labor Law. We advise posting visible signage indicating CCTV is in use, which also serves as a crime deterrent. Note: Properties in NYC landmark districts may require Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approval for exterior-mounted hardware — we handle compliance for all installations.
My landlord won’t install cameras — can I install my own?
Recent amendments to New York’s Real Property Law now require landlords to permit tenants to install WiFi cameras inside their own units, as long as the installation doesn’t require drilling or permanent alterations. For hardwired CCTV systems that involve drilling, running cables through walls, or mounting hardware in common areas, you generally need written permission from your landlord. However, many NYC landlords approve camera installation when tenants request it in writing, especially for shared areas like lobbies, hallways, and building entrances. If you own the property or are the building manager, there are no restrictions beyond privacy laws. We regularly work with both landlords and tenants and can provide documentation to help get approval. Important: cameras cannot point into other tenants’ apartments, even when doors are open, and exterior doorbell cameras in multi-unit buildings typically require landlord approval.
What happens to CCTV footage if the power goes out?
If the power goes out, standard CCTV systems stop recording until power is restored. We offer battery backup (UPS) solutions that keep your NVR and cameras running for 30 minutes to several hours during outages. For critical installations like construction sites and commercial properties, we can integrate generator-powered or solar-powered CCTV setups.
Can you install CCTV cameras on brick and brownstone buildings?
Yes. We install cameras on brick, brownstone, stone, stucco, vinyl siding, concrete, and every other building material common in NYC. Our technicians use masonry-rated anchors and mounting hardware specifically designed for brick installation without causing structural damage. Clean cable routing through existing conduit, mortar joints, or interior walls keeps the installation looking professional.
How long does CCTV footage stay recorded?
Recording duration depends on the hard drive size in your NVR/DVR, number of cameras, resolution, and recording mode. A typical 4-camera 4K system with a 2TB hard drive records approximately 14 to 21 days of continuous footage. An 8-camera system with a 4TB drive typically stores 14 to 30 days. We can add larger drives (up to 16TB) for extended storage if needed.
Can you add cameras to my existing CCTV system?
In most cases, yes. If your NVR or DVR has open channels and the existing wiring supports additional runs, we can add cameras to expand coverage without replacing the whole system. We also perform analog-to-digital upgrades — replacing your old analog cameras and DVR with modern 4K IP cameras and NVR while reusing existing cable where possible.
Do you install cameras for businesses with multiple locations?
Yes. We install CCTV systems for multi-location businesses across NYC, Long Island, and Hudson Valley. Each location gets its own NVR, and we configure remote access so you can view all locations from a single app on your phone or a centralized monitoring station. Common clients include restaurant chains, retail franchises, property management companies, and construction firms.
What’s the difference between NVR and DVR?
A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) works with analog cameras over coaxial cable. An NVR (Network Video Recorder) works with IP cameras over Ethernet cable. NVR systems deliver significantly higher resolution (up to 4K/8MP vs. 2-5MP for analog), support PoE power delivery, offer AI-powered smart detection, and allow longer cable runs. We install both, but recommend NVR-based IP systems for new installations.
People Also Ask

What People Search About CCTV Installation in NYC

How much does it cost to have 4 CCTV cameras installed?

The cost to have 4 CCTV cameras professionally installed in NYC ranges from $850 for a basic HD analog system to $1,292+ for a premium 4K IP system with NVR, active deterrent features, and full-color night vision. These prices include all equipment, wiring, installation labor, NVR configuration, and remote access setup on your phone. No monthly fees apply. NYC installation labor runs approximately 20 to 30 percent above the national average ($80 to $200 per camera) due to building complexity — brick drilling, conduit requirements, pre-war construction, and after-hours work in occupied commercial spaces can all push labor costs higher. Commercial installations with enterprise-grade cameras and higher channel counts are custom-quoted after a free site assessment. Note for government and federal contractors: under NDAA Section 889, certain federal entities are restricted from purchasing equipment from specific manufacturers — ask us about NDAA-compliant camera options if this applies to your project.

Can I install CCTV cameras myself in New York?

You can legally install cameras on your own property, but DIY CCTV installation in NYC comes with significant challenges. Running cable through brick walls, brownstone facades, pre-war plaster-and-lathe, and multi-story buildings requires specialized tools and experience. WiFi cameras lose signal through thick concrete and brick — the exact materials most NYC buildings are made from — and multiple cameras on one WiFi network can choke your router bandwidth. Improper mounting on masonry can cause water intrusion. Exposed wiring violates many co-op, condo board, and HOA regulations and can result in fines or forced removal. In multi-unit buildings, improperly aimed cameras that capture other tenants’ doorways or apartment interiors can create serious privacy violations under New York law. A licensed installer ensures cameras are positioned for maximum coverage, cables are concealed, the system is properly configured for reliable recording and remote access, and all privacy and building regulations are followed.

What is the best CCTV camera system for a NYC apartment building?

For NYC apartment buildings, we recommend a 4K IP camera system with PoE NVR recording. Turret or dome cameras with IK10 vandal-resistant housings work best for hallways, lobbies, and stairwells because they resist tampering. Bullet cameras cover building exteriors and parking areas. Active deterrent cameras with strobe lights and sirens are ideal for back entrances, alleys, and garbage areas. The NVR should have enough channels and storage for at least 14 days of continuous recording across all cameras.

How far can CCTV cameras see at night?

Professional-grade infrared CCTV cameras can see 100 to 200 feet in complete darkness. Full-color night vision cameras using warm LED supplemental lighting can see 50 to 100 feet with color footage. The effective range depends on the camera model, lens size, and environment. We select the right cameras for your specific property layout during the site assessment to ensure every critical area has adequate night coverage.

Do CCTV cameras work without internet?

Yes. Hardwired CCTV systems record footage locally to the NVR regardless of internet status. You will not be able to view cameras remotely on your phone without internet, but all recording, playback at the NVR, and on-site monitoring works perfectly without any internet connection. This is a critical advantage over cloud-dependent cameras like Ring and Nest, which require constant internet to function at all.

How long does CCTV installation take in NYC?

A standard 4-camera residential installation typically takes 4 to 6 hours. An 8-camera commercial installation takes 6 to 10 hours depending on cable run distances and building complexity. Larger projects (16+ cameras, multi-story buildings, or construction site deployments) may require multiple days. We complete most residential and small commercial jobs in a single visit.

DIY vs Professional

DIY CCTV Installation vs. Hiring a Licensed Installer

YouTube makes it look easy. But installing CCTV cameras in a New York City building is fundamentally different from mounting a Ring camera on a vinyl-sided suburban home. Here’s what you’re actually dealing with.

⚠️ DIY Installation

WiFi-dependent — cameras drop signal through NYC building walls, especially brick, concrete, and pre-war plaster-and-lathe construction. Multiple cameras choke your router bandwidth
Exposed wiring on building exterior looks unprofessional and violates many co-op, condo board, and HOA rules — may result in fines or forced removal
No experience with masonry drilling — risk of cracking brick, hitting rebar, or causing water damage
Consumer cameras (Ring, Wyze, Blink) charge monthly cloud fees for basic recording and alerts
Camera angles often wrong — too high, too wide, or missing critical blind spots
No warranty on workmanship — if it fails, you start over from scratch
NVR/DVR configuration and port forwarding are technical and easy to misconfigure

✅ Professional Installation

Hardwired PoE connections — no WiFi dependency, no signal drops, no dead zones
Clean cable routing through walls, ceilings, and conduit — nothing exposed
Masonry-rated anchors and waterproof entry points — no structural damage to brick or brownstone
Zero monthly fees — NVR records locally with free remote app access forever
Professional camera placement based on site survey — maximized coverage, zero blind spots
1-year parts warranty, licensed contractor, insured on every job
Full NVR configuration, remote access setup, and on-site training included
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — CCTV Installation NYC

How much does CCTV installation cost in NYC?
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Basic 4-camera HD systems start at $850 installed. Professional 4K IP systems start at $1,057. Premium 4K systems with active deterrent start at $1,292. Commercial systems with 8 to 64+ cameras are custom-quoted. Every quote is based on a free on-site assessment — no surprises.

Do you charge monthly monitoring fees?
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No. We never charge monthly fees. Your NVR records footage locally and you access it through a free smartphone app. No cloud subscriptions, no monitoring contracts, no recurring costs of any kind.

Are you licensed and insured to install CCTV in NYC?
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Yes. We are a fully licensed low-voltage contractor (NYS License #12000287431) and insured on every job. Our technicians are experienced with NYC building types including brick, brownstone, pre-war, and high-rise construction.

What areas of NYC do you serve?
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We serve all five NYC boroughs: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We also serve Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties) and Hudson Valley (Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, and Ulster counties).

Can you install cameras on a brick building?
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Yes. We install on brick, brownstone, stone, concrete, stucco, vinyl siding, and every building material common in NYC. We use masonry-rated anchors and seal all penetrations to prevent water intrusion. Clean cable routing through mortar joints or interior walls.

How long does CCTV installation take?
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A 4-camera residential installation takes 4 to 6 hours. An 8-camera commercial installation takes 6 to 10 hours. Most jobs are completed in a single visit. Larger multi-story or multi-site projects may take multiple days.

Do I need internet for CCTV cameras?
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No. Cameras record to the NVR locally regardless of internet status. Internet is only required for remote viewing on your phone. If internet goes down, recording continues uninterrupted — unlike WiFi cameras that stop working entirely.

Can I view CCTV cameras on my phone?
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Yes. We configure free remote viewing on your iPhone or Android during installation. Watch live feeds, play back recorded footage, get motion alerts, and use two-way audio from anywhere in the world. No monthly app fees.

What brands do you install?
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We install Dahua, Hikvision, Uniview, Amcrest, Reolink, Lorex, Pelco, Digital Watchdog, Speco, ICRealtime, Vivotek, GeoVision, Rhombus, and many others. We also install customer-purchased equipment from Ring, Nest, Arlo, and other consumer brands.

How many cameras do I need?
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Most NYC homes and small buildings need 4 to 8 cameras. Commercial properties typically need 8 to 16+. We do a free site assessment to determine exact placement based on your property layout, entry points, and coverage goals.

Can you add cameras to my existing system?
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Yes, if your NVR/DVR has available channels and the cabling supports additional runs. We also perform analog-to-digital upgrades — replacing older cameras and DVRs with modern 4K IP systems while reusing existing cable infrastructure where possible.

Do you offer same-day CCTV installation?
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We offer next-day installation for standard residential and small commercial jobs, subject to equipment availability. Emergency and same-day service is available in some cases. Call (929) 730-5331 to check availability.

Service Areas

CCTV Camera Installation Across New York

Click any area below to see CCTV installation details specific to your borough, county, or region.

CCTV Packages

CCTV Surveillance System Pricing

STARTER
$850

4 x 2MP HD cameras • DVR • Night vision 60-100ft • Motion detection • Remote access • No monthly fees

PROFESSIONAL
$1,057

4 x 4-5MP IP cameras • 4K NVR • Night vision 90-100ft • Smart AI detection • Audio • 20" monitor • Remote access

PREMIUM
$1,292

4 x 8MP 4K cameras • 4K NVR • Night vision 100-120ft • Active deterrent • Full-color night vision • Monitor included

COMMERCIAL
Custom

8-64+ cameras • Enterprise NVR • PTZ • License plate readers • Multi-site • Remote management • Custom design

Every quote is based on an actual site visit — call (929) 730-5331 for your free CCTV consultation.

All Services

Complete Low-Voltage Services

📹

CCTV Camera Installation

4K IP, HD analog, dome, bullet, PTZ, and active deterrent CCTV cameras. NVR/DVR recording. Remote access. No monthly fees.

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CCTV Repair & Service

DVR/NVR troubleshooting, camera replacement, analog-to-digital upgrades, wiring repair, system maintenance.

🚪

Video Intercom Systems

Smartphone-connected intercoms with video, two-way audio, and multi-tenant directory panels.

🔔

Door Buzzer Install & Repair

Apartment and commercial buzzer systems. New installations and same-day repair service.

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Access Control

Key fob, card reader, keypad, magnetic lock, and electric strike systems for building entry control.

Structured Cabling

Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet, PoE, coaxial, and low-voltage cabling for CCTV, intercoms, and network infrastructure.

🛡️

Alarm Systems

Intrusion detection, motion sensors, glass break, door/window contacts, and monitoring integration.

🔥

Fire Alarm Systems

Fire alarm installation, inspection, repair, and code compliance for residential and commercial properties.

📺

TV Installation

Wall-mount TV installation with concealed wiring. Security monitors, lobby displays, and AV setups.

🏠

Home Automation

Smart locks, lighting control, motorized shades, and integrated home security systems.

🎵

AV / Sound Systems

Commercial and residential audio systems, speakers, amplifiers, and multi-zone sound installations.

Contact Us

Request a Free CCTV Quote

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Ready to Secure Your NYC Property?

Professional CCTV installation across all five boroughs. No monthly fees. Licensed, insured, and rated 4.7 stars on Google.